Pretty soon my dad is going to be getting rid of my '86 thunderbird that I wasted 80 hours of my time on, and as soon as I get a job we are looking for a 240sx. I know how you guys feel with the handouts idea, and I would pay for my own 240 if i had the money. So, instead my dad is going to get me a decent S13, under the requirement that I have to pay for any repairs/parts/labor etc to get it running like I want it. I got my uncle to help me too, since my dad hates cars
I agree with a lot of people here, make sure he knows that driving is a responsibility, because I have seen to many teenages handed the keys to nice cars, well cars that WERE nice. Most teens don't have that common sense that comes from experience, and most end tragicially with monetary damage or physical injury somewhere along the line. This is coming from a 17 y/o too, lol. So just make sure he realizes that he needs to recognize driving as a privilege, not a god given right. I think you are doing great, making him work on the car, and work hard in school. But I want to ask, WHY are you putting so much money into this car to get it looking nice and driving fast, if you are trying to keep him from being stupid? Believe me, I have done my fair share of stupid crap, and I don't even want to think of what would have happened were I driving an S13 like your sons......